Propane AutoGas: American-Made Alternative Fuel Powers Pittsburgh Paratransit Fleets

ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 28, /PRNewswire/ -- Proud father, American veteran and business owner Bob Delucia is answering his country's call to action, again.  Only this time he gets to do so right here on U.S. soil.  Delucia began Star Limousine Service, Inc. in 1985 with the help of his daughter Angela – they had one car.  Now, with a quartet of Pennsylvania taxicab and paratransit companies he owns with his two sons, Delucia is meeting the challenge for environmental stewardship and a reduced dependence on foreign oil head on – by converting 31 vehicles in his fleet from gasoline to propane AutoGas.

Delucia first began exploring alternative fuels two years ago at the peak of the fuel price spike, when conventional gasoline broke the four-dollar mark.  He has converted a handful of fleet vehicles to electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell power and four to propane AutoGas.  But when Delucia applied for state grant funding to expand his green fleet, he went all in for AutoGas.

Delucia chose to partner with national vehicle conversion and fueling network Alliance AutoGas to develop his grant application and to convert and fuel his 31 vehicles.

As a businessman, Delucia recognized the merit of partnership with an outfit that offers a nationwide network and growing footprint.  As an American vet, he naturally rallied behind another American-owned company – working to create stateside jobs by utilizing a clean-burning fuel that is produced on American soil.

"We are really excited to be cleaning up the city and saving money at the same time, and Alliance AutoGas has helped us make that happen," Delucia stated.  He first learned of Alliance through his industry association with the Taxicab, Paratransit and Limousine Association (TLPA).

Fleets that convert vehicles to AutoGas can expect:

• Lower fuel costs
• Significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced dependence on foreign oil (90% of propane is produced in the U.S.)

In addition to going green and running four companies, Delucia dedicates much time and energy to working with veteran affairs and retraining veterans who return from deployment to install alternative fuel systems.  In 2008 he was nominated for veteran entrepreneur of the year by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NAVOBA).  Vetrepreneur Magazine, whose spokesperson is Rocky Bleier, published an article detailing Delucia's entrepreneurial efforts and his accomplishments.

Bob Delucia's four Pittsburgh area companies are:

• AirStar Transportation Inc.
• Classy Cab
• Star Limousine Service Inc.
• Cranberry Taxi

AirStar Transportation & Limousine Service Inc. was one of four Allegheny County companies to receive money from the Pennsylvania grant.  An Alliance AutoGas fueling station at their home base is ready to power the Pittsburgh fleet.  As a member of Access Group, 15 of Delucia's converted vehicles will be wheelchair accessible.

Delucia's fleet will benefit from the Alliance AutoGas turn-key solution that includes:

• Equipment and labor to convert vehicles from gasoline to AutoGas
• Propane AutoGas fueling station on site at fleet base
• Safety and operational training for fleet personnel
• Year-round fuel provision
• Ongoing expert technical support

About Alliance AutoGas

Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the nation's largest independent propane company) and American Alternative Fuel – provides a turn-key solution that has fleet managers across the country committing to use clean, domestically produced alternative fuel that is here now.  For more information about Alliance AutoGas and their network of partners visit www.allianceautogas.com.

SOURCE Alliance AutoGas